You need to connect the following ports when connecting the switch to the network:

• Console port—A direct local management connection used to initially configure the switch

• Management ports—An online management connection

• Uplink and downlink ports—Connections to hosts and servers

Caution

When running power and data cables in overhead or subfloor cable trays, we strongly recommend that you locate power cables and other potential noise sources as far away as practical from network cabling that terminates on Cisco equipment. In situations where long parallel cable runs cannot be separated by at least 3.3 feet (1 meter), we recommend that you shield any potential noise sources by housing them in a grounded metallic conduit.

When preparing your site for network connections to your switch, consider the following for each type of interface and gather all the required equipment before connecting the ports:

• Cabling required for each interface type

• Distance limitations for each signal type

• Additional interface equipment required

After you perform the initial configuration for the switch and create a management connection, you are ready to connect the interface ports on the switch to other devices. Depending on the types of interface ports on the switch, you will need to use interface cables with QSFP28, QSFP+, SFP+, or SFP transceivers or RJ-45 connectors to connect the switch to other devices.

Note	If you need to use SFP+ or SFP transceivers in a QSFP28 uplink port, install a QSFP-to-SFP adapter, such as the CVR-QSFP-SFP10G adapter, in the QSFP28 port and then install the SFP+ or SFP transceiver. The switch automatically sets the port speed for the SFP+ or SFP transceiver.

Note	One of the three rows of downlink ports is upside down to optimize connections. When removing a transceiver from the upside-down row, without a pull-tab, you need to insert a standard (flat) screwdriver to press the release tab to free it from the port.

The transceivers used with many fiber-optic cables come separated from their cables. To prevent damage to the fiber-optic cables and their transceivers, we recommend that you keep these transceivers disconnected from their fiber-optic cables when installing the transceiver in the interface port. Before removing a transceiver for a fiber-optic cable, you must remove the cable from the transceiver.

To maximize the effectiveness and life of your transceivers and optical cables, do the following:

• Wear an ESD-preventative wrist strap that is connected to an earth ground whenever handling transceivers. The switch is typically grounded during installation and provides an ESD port to which you can connect your wrist strap.

• Do not remove and insert a transceiver more often than is necessary. Repeated removals and insertions can shorten its useful life.

• Keep the transceivers and fiber-optic cables clean and dust free to maintain high signal accuracy and to prevent damage to the connectors. Attenuation (loss of light) is increased by contamination and should be kept below 0.35 dB.

• Clean these parts before installation to prevent dust from scratching the fiber-optic cable ends.

• Clean the connectors regularly; the required frequency of cleaning depends upon the environment. In addition, clean connectors if they are exposed to dust or accidentally touched. Both wet and dry cleaning techniques can be effective; refer to your site's fiber-optic connection cleaning procedures.

• Do not touch the ends of connectors. Touching the ends can leave fingerprints and cause other contamination.

• Inspect routinely for dust and damage. If you suspect damage, clean and then inspect fiber ends under a microscope to determine if damage has occurred.

Warning

Statement 1051—Laser Radiation Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments.